MORI PROJECT
Situated in Yoshida main campus in Kyoto University, a courtyard near GSGES has one of the most beautiful landscape and biome currently seen in main campus. The site is somewhat hidden from general route of walk in the roads of main campus. However, the biodiversity resting in this little garden is a thing of joy and a view to marvel upon.
GSGES undertook a small project to retrofit the existing seating arrangement of the site and bring out its highest potential. With all our care and love, we call this project “Himitsu no Mori”, the MORI project.
Activity Organization:
Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies
Institute for Research in Humanities
Facilities Department
CURRENT CHALLENGES
- Lack of seating arrangements
Lack of welcoming space to rest and observe nature
- Surrounded by the backsides of the building
Less exposure to the garden
- Access to the site is on the exit of the buildings
The site doesn’t grab the attention of the pedestrian and let them stop to rest, therefore there is a lack of identity of the garden
CONCEPT
AN ENGAWA TO OUR SECRET GARDEN
The idea of the project begins from trying to frame the most captivating view of the garden. We tried to frame the view and give the viewer a place to sit for a while & rest. Much like the engawa of a Japanese tsuboniwa (inner courtyard garden), we tried to give the passerby a space to take off their shoes and sit in the wooden deck under the shade of plants. Seasonally using sudare and creating comfortable environment, we wish the visitor to gaze upon the landscape, enjoy the soundscape of the garden and ponder on its biodiversity. The project is designed as a collaborative effort among many stakeholders and students of GSGES are expected to take care and manage the site seasonally. We aim to make this site an inviting place to everyone who wants a small retreat in a busy day!